Spring Brunch

Feels like Spring is finally here...and it is time to get out my Spring and Easter decorations.   We had friends visit last week for Sunday Brunch and Bowling - we are lucky to have a bowling lane in our community.  Since it was a cold and windy Spring day we went bowling after brunch and everyone had a great time.

Table setting was simple and clean to celebrate the new season.   I used a gray filled with paper grass, Ukrainian eggs ( wooden pysanki) that belonged to my dear mother-in-law, and a silk pot of tulips for the center piece.   The little chicks are salt and pepper shakers.  The water glasses are monogrammed "A & J" glasses that were a wedding gift.   I found the little cork coasters at Ikea - I like the way they blend in with the wood and protect the table so I can enjoy the look of the table. The daffodil place mats were a gift made by my sister-in-law the first year we were married...so at 42 years they are "vintage".  She originally included yellow napkins, but they became discolored from use over the years.   I was lucky to find these pale green napkins at Kohl's on a super deal....

 6.99 each on sale for 69 cents!!!   And I am sure I had a coupon, too!   This is why I love to walk up and down the aisles at any store we visit, looking for bargains.  You never know what you will find!

Since we were eating soon after our guests arrived I did not fuss with any snacks...this is a bowl of nuts with some chocolate pieces and chocolate covered espresso beans.   A little lift to have with mimosas as I put the finishing touches on brunch.

Our main dish was baked Monte Cristo Sandwiches...very easy and everyone loves them.  You can find the recipe here - Monte Cristo Sandwiches  Chips and a simple salad with strawberries, pears, apples, mandarin oranges, and some cranberry almond mix rounded out the menu.

I set up a coffee and tea bar....but we were too full to enjoy it after the meal.   We bowled a few games then came back to enjoy coffee, tea, and dessert....

Very simple dessert set up - chocolates, M&M Easter Eggs, and Almond Joy Cookies.   These cookies are always a hit whenever I make them - 

I stumbled

across the recipe on Pinterest and found it on a blog called Mom On Timeout.   There are some wonderful recipes on that site.

Almond Joy Cookies - Just 4 Ingredients!

These easy Almond Joy Cookies take just four ingredients and don't even require a mixer! No beating, no chilling, just mix 'em up and throw 'em in the oven EASY! You're going to love these ooey gooey fabulous cookies!

 CourseDessert

 Prep Time5 minutes

 Cook Time12 minutes

 Total Time17 minutes

 Servings3 dozen

 AuthorTrish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

• 1 14 oz bag sweetened coconut flakes
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup chopped lightly salted almonds I used Blue Diamond Low Sodium Lightly Salted - light blue bag
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk regular or fat-free works

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325F.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large bowl combine coconut, chocolate chips, almonds, and sweetened condensed milk.
• Stir until combined.
• Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheet.
• Moisten the tips of your fingers with water and shape into discs. Pat the tops flat.
• Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until tips of coconut are just starting to turn golden brown.
• Let cool on baking sheet.
• Store cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

Parchment paper is critical for these cookies to turn out right. Silicone mats, waxed paper, etc. will yield a slightly different result.

I like to create a little take home bag for each guest...it's a nice way to end the visit!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring and Joyous Easter!  Do you decorate and entertain for Spring and Easter?   Please leave a comment below - and thank you so much for stopping by Our New Vista!